Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Tag: fiscal policy

  • Capital Gains Tax Collections Hit Historic ₦522 Billion Milestone

    Capital Gains Tax Collections Hit Historic ₦522 Billion Milestone

    Figures cited by The Punch reveal that Nigeria’s Capital Gains Tax (CGT) revenue reached an unprecedented ₦522 billion in the 2025 fiscal year. This surge represents a significant leap in non-oil tax revenue, reflecting the government’s aggressive drive to expand the tax base and improve compliance across the financial and real estate sectors. The record-breaking figure is being hailed by fiscal authorities as a sign of deepening economic formalization.
    The growth is largely attributed to the recovery of the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) and a flurry of high-value property transactions in major urban centers like Lagos and Abuja. Additionally, the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has implemented more robust digital tracking mechanisms to ensure that gains from the disposal of assets are accurately captured and taxed.
    Despite the impressive numbers, some economic analysts express concern that the increased tax burden could deter long-term investment. However, government officials maintain that the revenue is essential for funding critical infrastructure projects and reducing the national budget deficit.
    Validating these figures, Leadership reported that the FIRS is looking to further automate the CGT collection process in 2026. A tax consultant quoted in Vanguard remarked, “The ₦522 billion mark shows that the government is finally looking beyond traditional sectors for revenue.” Furthermore, Daily Post cited a government spokesperson who noted, “This milestone is a testament to the effectiveness of recent fiscal reforms aimed at achieving a sustainable debt-to-revenue ratio.”
    Echotitbits take: This revenue spike is a double-edged sword. While it helps the government’s liquidity, it may cool down the heated real estate market. Watch for potential pushback from the private sector as the FIRS looks to tighten the net on digital asset gains next.
    Source: The Punch – https://punchng.com/capital-gains-tax-jumps-429-to-n12-18bn/, and February 15, 2026
    Photo credit: The Punch

  • NESG Report Links Slow Business Growth to High Taxes and Fuel Costs

    NESG Report Links Slow Business Growth to High Taxes and Fuel Costs

    Reporting by Vanguard indicates that the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) has identified rising tax burdens and fuel price adjustments as the primary drivers behind a slowdown in business growth during January 2026. According to the latest Business Confidence Monitor (BCM) report, business optimism has hit a six-month low as enterprises struggle with the rising cost of operations.

    The report emphasizes that while the government’s reform agenda is necessary for long-term stability, the immediate impact on small and medium enterprises (SMEs) has been severe. The NESG warns that without targeted interventions to cushion the effects of these fiscal policies, the pace of industrial productivity may continue to decline in the first quarter of the year.

    Validation from Channels TV and The Nation underscores these concerns. Channels TV reports that “the manufacturing sector is feeling the pinch of energy costs,” with a spokesperson for the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) stating, “We are operating at the edge of viability due to the triple threat of fuel, power, and taxes.” The Nation also cites the report, quoting an economist who notes, “The government must balance its revenue drive with the survival of the private sector to avoid a stagflation scenario.”

    Echotitbits take: The NESG report is a wake-up call for the fiscal authorities. While tax reforms are essential for reducing the budget deficit, the timing and execution are hitting the productive sector hard. Watch for a potential review of tax incentives or a push for more “pro-growth” adjustments in the coming mid-year budget review.

    Source: BusinessDay – https://businessday.ng/business-economy/article/cost-of-doing-business-rises-to-90-5-in-january-on-tax-reforms-fuel-price-adjustments/?utm_source=auto-read-also&utm_medium=web&amp, February 4, 2026

    Photo credit: BusinessDay

  • National VAT Collections Hit Record N8.61 Trillion as Tax Reforms Yield Fruit

    National VAT Collections Hit Record N8.61 Trillion as Tax Reforms Yield Fruit

    Figures cited by The Punch show that Nigeria’s Value Added Tax (VAT) revenue experienced a historic surge, reaching N8.61 trillion for the 2025 fiscal year. This performance, reported on February 1st, 2026, is being attributed to the aggressive automation of tax collection systems and the broadening of the tax base to include more informal sector participants and digital service providers.

    In a report by The Sun, the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele, noted that the focus has shifted from increasing tax rates to improving the efficiency of collection. “The 2025 figures are a testament to what happens when you simplify the tax code and eliminate multiple levies that previously stifled small businesses,” Oyedele was quoted as saying.

    According to Vanguard News, the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has surpassed its revised targets, providing the government with much-needed fiscal space to service debts and fund infrastructure. The report quoted a financial analyst who stated: “While the revenue growth is impressive, the government must now ensure that these funds are transparently utilized to mitigate the impact of inflation on the average citizen.”

    Echotitbits take: This taxation milestone suggests that the government’s fiscal reforms are finally gaining traction. For businesses, the “tax harmonization” agenda is the real story to watch; if the government successfully collapses hundreds of taxes into a few single digits, it could trigger a significant boom in the SME sector by 2027.

    Source: The Punch – https://punchng.com/vat-collections-surged-to-n8-61tn-in-2025/, February 1, 2026

    Photo credit: The Punch

  • Federal Government Proposes New Wealth Tax for Ultra-High-Net-Worth Individuals

    Federal Government Proposes New Wealth Tax for Ultra-High-Net-Worth Individuals

    The Ministry of Finance is reportedly drafting a Wealth Tax bill targeting Nigerians with assets above N5 billion, including luxury real estate and private jets, as part of a drive to increase non-oil revenue.

    The government says the proposal is designed to fund social safety nets and reduce the budget deficit without raising burdens on poorer citizens, with projections of significant annual revenue if implementation is effective.

    Business groups have raised concerns about capital flight and compliance complexity, while experts warn the policy only works if authorities can accurately track luxury holdings and offshore assets.

    Echotitbits take: Bold, controversial, and easy to politicize. The wealthy are skilled at loopholes, so enforcement capacity will determine success. Without credible asset tracking and compliance systems, the tax risks becoming symbolic—or investment-deterring.
    Source: BusinessDay – https://businessday.ng/business-economy/article/fg-proposes-25-tax-rate-on-wealthy-nigerians-earning-n100-million-monthly/ 2026-01-27

    Photo Credit: BusinessDay

  • Nigerian Government Unveils Sweeping Fiscal Reforms to Stimulate Small Businesses

    Nigerian Government Unveils Sweeping Fiscal Reforms to Stimulate Small Businesses

    The Federal Government has introduced a new package of tax incentives and fiscal waivers designed to ease the burden on Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), especially businesses with annual turnover below N50 million.

    The policy, approved at the Federal Executive Council meeting, includes a two-year tax holiday for tech startups and agribusinesses, along with simplified filing to curb multiple taxation and encourage informal businesses to adopt formal channels.

    Officials also disclosed a low-interest credit facility to be managed by the Bank of Industry, positioning the reforms as a jobs-and-production strategy for a manufacturing chain strained by high operating costs.

    Echotitbits take: These reforms are a direct response to rising inflation and the high cost of doing business. While the tax holiday is welcome, success will hinge on eliminating the ‘hidden taxes’ of weak infrastructure and logistics bottlenecks. Watch for implementation guidelines from FIRS in the coming weeks.
    Source: Kuda  – https://kuda.com/blog/nigeria-2026-tax-reform-what-it-means-for-your-money-and-business/ 2026-01-27

    Photo Credit: Kuda

  • Federal Government Defends Constitutional Legitimacy of Budget Re-enactment

    Federal Government Defends Constitutional Legitimacy of Budget Re-enactment

    Federal Government Defends Constitutional Legitimacy of Budget Re-enactment

    The Attorney-General says the National Assembly can repeal and re-enact budgets as a ‘clean slate’ approach to reduce legal risk and improve transparency.

    Further reporting across multiple outlets indicates the development is drawing heightened attention, with stakeholders watching for next steps from relevant authorities and institutions.

    Echotitbits take: This ‘clean slate’ approach to budgeting is a tactical move to prevent the executive-legislative friction seen in previous years. The success of this N48.31 trillion plan will depend entirely on the transparency of the newly introduced ‘Renewed Hope’ ward projects.

    Source: The Punch – https://punchng.com/fg-defends-overlapping-budgets-as-budgit-raises-concerns/ (2026-01-21)

    Photo credit: The Punch

    2026-01-21 12:00:00

     

  • FG projects ₦33.39tn revenue and ₦15.91tn debt service for 2026 fiscal year

    FG projects ₦33.39tn revenue and ₦15.91tn debt service for 2026 fiscal year

    In a report by The Nation, the Federal Government’s 2026 Appropriation Bill projects about ₦33.39 trillion in revenue and sets aside roughly ₦15.91 trillion for debt servicing, highlighting the scale of fiscal pressure.

    The story breaks down projected revenue sources and explains that domestic debt service—often including Central Bank financing—remains a major budget burden.

    Economists warn that a heavy debt-service line can shrink space for infrastructure and social spending, unless revenue performance improves and borrowing costs fall.

    The debate in the National Assembly is expected to focus on realism of revenue assumptions and strategies to reduce recurrent costs and improve tax efficiency without harming growth.

    Echotitbits take: Nigeria’s fiscal stress is now structural: debt service competes with everything. Watch for credible revenue reforms and whether debt management reduces cost, not just raises more borrowing.

    Source: The Nation https://thenationonlineng.net/fg-targets-%E2%82%A633-39trn-revenue-sets-aside-%E2%82%A615-91trn-for-debt-service-in-2026/ 11 January 2026

    The Nation 2026-01-11

    Photo Credit: The Nation

  • Tinubu Insists New Tax Laws Stay on Track Despite Discrepancy Dispute, Reuters Reports

    Tinubu Insists New Tax Laws Stay on Track Despite Discrepancy Dispute, Reuters Reports

    Reporting by Reuters indicates President Bola Tinubu said Nigeria would implement new tax laws from January 1 despite calls for delay, describing the reforms as a major reset even as critics raised concerns about discrepancies and administrative powers.

    The dispute centers on trust in the legislative process, enforcement safeguards, and the practical impact on households and businesses facing inflation pressure.

    Government posture suggests implementation will proceed while flagged issues are addressed through engagement and clarifying measures.

    KPMG’s note said certified versions were meant to address discrepancy allegations but still contain “errors, inconsistencies, gaps, and omissions,” while Taiwo Oyedele’s public messaging insisted there is “No Going Back” on implementation.

    Echotitbits take: Watch for clarifying circulars and early enforcement restraint. The first quarter will reveal whether compliance rises—or resistance spreads.

    Source: Reuters — https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/nigeria-implement-new-tax-laws-january-1-despite-calls-delay-tinubu-says-2025-12-30/ January 10, 2026

    Reuters 2026-01-10

    Photo Credit: Reuters